Tragic wall collapse at Ekurhuleni school claims life of Grade 3 pupil

A Grade 3 pupil has died after a section of wall at a school in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng collapsed on Thursday.

As the first school term came to a close on Friday, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed the death of a boy pupil from Lerutle Primary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.

Chiloane expressed profound shock and sadness following the tragic death. According to the department's statement, a section of the school wall reportedly collapsed while pupils were on break.

“Preliminary information indicates that a section of the school wall reportedly collapsed during breaktime on Thursday, falling onto six learners and leaving them with severe injuries. Emergency services responded swiftly, and all six learners were transported to various medical facilities for urgent medical treatment. Tragically, one of the injured learners, a Grade 3 boy, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention in hospital,” the department statement said.

The department said the circumstances surrounding the wall collapse are currently under investigation and psycho-social support teams had been deployed to provide counselling and emotional support to affected learners, educators, and the bereaved family during this difficult period.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and the loss of such a young life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the learner's family, fellow learners, educators, and the entire school community as they moum this devastating loss. We will ensure that the necessary support is provided and that the circumstances surrounding this incident are determined," said MEC Chiloane.

The incident comes after another tragic incident in Tembisa where 10-year-old Milton Mokgoatsane from Reagile Primary School died on February 16, after a goalpost fell on him. A law firm has since been appointed to investigate the matter.

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